Review: Full Metal Panic! The Second Raid

Genres – action, drama, romance, science fiction

Plot Summary: This series is set about two months after the events ocurred in the Tuatha de Danaan at the end of the original series. Mithril becomes aware of a secret organization that has technology able to counter the ECS (Electronic Cloaking System) mode. This organization, known as Amalgam, also has “Black Technology”, obtained from “Whispered” like Kaname Chidori, and like the other intelligency agencies, they intend to obtain more. However, when Sousuke’s mission to protect Chidori is terminated by Mithril, all seems to be in place for Amalgam’s plans…

Story – 4.5

This season of FMP! is definitely not for the former crowd. Way more serious and epic, with a slice of some fan-service never ventured by the series before (and hopefully not in the future either), this show packs quite a punch.

The introduction of the twins we meet was really weird and equally not cool for the partial nudity in that one scene. Yeah, the show gives Kaname much more respect, but this is typical since you don’t want to degrade the main characters totally into eye-candy since they also need to be desirable as a person too. But as its also self-contradictory in how this area of fan-service works, this totally unwarranted and unnecessary scene just degrades the show and ultimately steals from the honor that Kaname is given throughout the show.

Now when Sousuke is told to leave Kaname, things get grave really fast. Every episode plunges Sousuke further into despair and further pushes him to decide what he wants with his life…and hopefully into the Hero he needs to be.
I love the implied explanation for why the AS didn’t work well and why it works later on. When you think about it, it’s very sweet and emotionally deep (I’d explain further, but that would spoil a well crafted point).
Most often times, shows are content to simplify terrible feelings and questions, but FMA The Second Raid has no fear delving serious questions and answering it in a way that leaves a superior romantic story.

While some might complain about the lack of fight scenes in the last couple episodes, its really because the whole season was about the two heroes Sousuke and Kaname, and their feelings for one another. Action isn’t necessary as much and perhaps would have only interrupted the flow of thoughts, something the show did a great job of keeping.

The show itself is not the end. So yeah, the show doesn’t answer all your questions and no, you won’t understand everything that occurs (particularly with Tessa’s brother), but the ending leaves enough material to look forward to what is next, and should excite the viewer to whenever they continue the series.

Emotional Draw – 5.0

The story was about Sousuke and Kaname, and the emotions were too. Such splendid tear-jerks throughout the show. When Sousuke has to leave Kaname, that episode just kicked it out of the park. I love how FMP! The Second Raid spent the time to get the feelings across just right.

Many of the jokes were likewise dark and ironic (making this phrase somewhat redundant) and the Twins were very interestingly empathized a little. I also was very impressed with the ending and found that last exchange with Sousuke and Kaname very sweet….even if he didn’t get to speak his feelings.
Outstanding job.

Characters – 4.95

Kaname Chidori – 4.9

A well done character for a well done show! I love how Kaname is totally herself when she also being brave. That episode where she outwits her own “protection” and the assassin after her was epic. Her feelings of fear and doubt during the whole ordeal was so life like, so vivid. So when she calms down by reminding herself how she loves Sousuke, it came across as very touching and hit a lot of the right spots.
Even better still were the ending episodes. Finally meeting up with Sousuke, Kaname was so awesome in her shy sincereness and anger. And like a cherry on top, you feel totally satisfied by her performance at the very end. What an awesome Heroine.

Sousuke Sagara – 5.0

Always the typical military guy, things start to change for him when he listens to Melissa’s advice to start thinking about the future. His emotional scenes were off the charts good, whether in a funk or when he becomes apathetic (I’ll hold the explanation to prevent spoilers). And that scene with Melissa in the van…was so good. Awesome choreagraphy.
Without a doubt, this Sousuke is growing up and having to take a lot of punching for running from his problems through rules, but I think you’ll find a lot of love for him.

Great dubbing and great lines. Pretty much spells it.

Creativity – 4.6

Very nicely done. The music was cued at the right moments and each important scene had a lot of attention spent on it. The AS of course looked just as cool, and the weapons were great to look at. I love the details to the scenes that give you more insight into the character, like when Sousuke subconsciously fiddles with his hair that Kaname cut when he’s driving. Just awesomely romantic and cute. Overall, a nice piece of work to look at and appreciate.

Final Score – 4.76

(Quite the catch for a seasons’ finale. Plenty to chew on and look forward with. Definitely a must to watch)